Russians intensifying their actions in Tavria direction

"The tactics and nature of the enemy's actions in our direction have changed somewhat in the intensity and build-up of efforts in Avdiivka, Marinka, and Vuhledar directions. The goal is to push back, capture, and create such conditions that will allow them to reach the administrative borders of Donetsk region. A characteristic feature is constant rotation, systematic regrouping, relentless build-up of units to influence the morale of our troops. The enemy is constantly targeting our troops with artillery fire, carrying out airstrikes, trying to force our units to withdraw and take measures against the enemy," Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, the head of the joint press center of the defense forces of Tavria direction, said during the national news telethon.

According to him, the Russian command redeployed the so-called "Z assault units" to the battles near Marinka in Donetsk region, which were brought in instead of paratroopers. The enemy's army began to fully adopt the experience of the PMC "Wagner Group" and to recruit people with a criminal record into its ranks. "There are certain instructions that came to us together with the prisoners which clearly state that the soldiers of this unit are not given medical aid on the battlefield during military operations and the wounded are not evacuated until a position is taken or an order to retreat is given," he said.

Earlier, he assumed that having lost a lot of personnel in Avdiivka and Marinka directions, the enemy could focus on Vuhledar direction. On Saturday, the Russians carried out six air raids in Vuhledar direction, destroying civilian houses. "Why do they do that? A similar situation is in Bakhmut now. They are, so to speak, dismantling a house floor by floor so that our soldiers do not have the opportunity to set up at least some position to repel an attack or to rest. That is why, in my opinion, they strike Vuhledar and try to be successful in such a way. Perhaps, this is the reason why they will try to assault Vuhledar direction in the near future," Dmytrashkivskyi said.